NWSL Playoff Race: Gotham FC Is Scoreboard Watching

Gary Gibson

09/05/2025

NWSL Playoff Race: Gotham FC Is Scoreboard Watching

With only a few matches remaining in the regular season, NJ/NY Gotham FC finds itself in a precarious position. The 2023 NWSL Champions are currently clinging to the final playoff spot, sitting just above a congested group of teams that are all vying for a postseason berth. After a challenging stretch that has seen the team's form dip, every single point is vital, and their destiny is far from certain. Gotham is not only in a fight for its own survival, but the fans will be glued to the scoreboard, hoping for favorable results from other matches to help their cause.

While the playoff line is the immediate concern, a perfect storm of results this weekend could see Gotham FC climb as high as sixth place in the standings. This scenario would require Gotham to secure a crucial win in their match against Angel City FC. Concurrently, they would need a loss from Seattle Reign FC and a draw in the head-to-head match between Racing Louisville FC and Portland Thorns FC. This combination of outcomes would propel Gotham past Seattle, Racing, and Portland, giving them a significant boost in the standings and a more comfortable cushion heading into the final stretch of the season.

Here is a look at this weekend's key matchups and the best-case scenarios for Gotham FC:

• Gotham FC vs. Angel City FC: The first and most important piece of the puzzle is a Gotham win. Three points here would not only keep them in the playoff hunt but also give them the momentum they desperately need.

• Racing Louisville FC vs. Portland Thorns FC: The ideal outcome for Gotham is a draw. Since both teams are currently ahead of Gotham in the standings, a split of the points would prevent either team from pulling further ahead and would allow Gotham to leapfrog them with a win.

• Seattle Reign FC vs. Spirit: A loss for Seattle is the best-case scenario. Seattle is currently just ahead of Gotham. A loss would drop them below Gotham if Gotham wins. Washington

The rest:

• KC vs Bay FC: Nobody catching KC. They have already clinched and on their way to the shield. Let them win out and clear the way.

San Diego vs. Houston: Houston is too close for comfort. The best scenario is a wave win.

• Courage vs. Royals: Utah is not making the playoffs. The best scenario is a Utah win.

• Stars vs. Orlando: Stars are not making the playoffs. The best scenario is a Red Stars win.